Program Launched to Spur EV Use in California

EV adoption continues to grow in California, but lack of charging locations remains one of the biggest barriers. PG&E said its EV Charge Network will support the adoption of EVs by increasing access to charging in locations where it has traditionally been limited and where cars often sit for longer periods of time, like workplaces and apartment buildings.

Jan 23, 2018

Pacific Gas and Electric Company recently launched an EV Charge Network program. Partnering with business customers and EV charging companies, PG&E will install 7,500 EV chargers at condominiums, apartment buildings, and workplaces across Northern and Central California, including at sites in disadvantaged communities, as it works to spur EV usage in the state.

Interested business customers can learn more and apply for the program now at pge.com/evchargenetwork. The company said more than 500 customers have expressed interest in it, and that it will begin installing new chargers in partnership with business customers, including at the first participating customer Merced College, during 2018's first quarter.

"Merced College's Los Banos Campus is excited to partner with PG&E on their new EV Charge Network program, which promotes the sustainability goals of our district. We are committed to doing our part to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in California and also look forward to providing increased access for future electric vehicle users," said Joe Allison, vice president of Administrative Services at Merced College.

EV adoption continues to grow in California, but lack of charging locations remains one of the biggest barriers. PG&E said its EV Charge Network will support the adoption of EVs by increasing access to charging in locations where it has traditionally been limited and where cars often sit for longer periods of time, like workplaces and apartment buildings.

"California continues to lead the nation in the fight against climate change and clean transportation is critical to building our sustainable energy future. One in five electric vehicles in the United States plug into PG&E's clean energy grid. Through this new program, we can help even more of our customers feel confident using electric vehicles, thereby helping the state and our communities meet their clean air and greenhouse-gas emission reduction goals," said Geisha Williams, CEO and president of PG&E Corporation.

PG&E's EV Charge Network program will pay for and build the infrastructure from the electric grid to the charger. Additionally, PG&E will offset a portion of the charger cost for all participating customers, based on the site and location.

EV drivers who are PG&E residential electric customers can apply for the Clean Fuel Rebate, a one-time rebate of $500 rewarding them for using electricity as a clean transportation fuel. The rebate is part of California's statewide Low Carbon Fuel Standard initiative, which aims to reduce transportation-related greenhouse-gas emissions by encouraging the adoption of clean fuels like electricity. And PG&E has proposed additional projects to the California Public Utilities Commission that, if approved, will further accelerate EV adoption and combat climate change. Projects include deployment of fast-charging stations to meet consumer demand as well as electrification for fleets with medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including school buses, transit agencies, and delivery fleets that often use diesel.